Blogging to keep track of my new life since retiring March of 2007. I'll include thoughts, travels, writings, pictures, family and whatever else strikes me.
I would love to hear from you regarding my Blog, trips, suggestions, "hi, how are you's",, etc. My email address is...judereed@earthlink.net

Pike's Market is a Seattle historical landmark very much still active and bustling with business. Today a friend and I visited, had lunch and remembered the many years and visits we had made in the past. The only changes I saw were positive and the summer crowds were out in full force. I would suggest to anyone visiting Seattle that Pike's Market is a must see. Just be prepared for crowds. The first Starbucks is located there and the famous "flying fish" market. Good fresh fish, meat, produce, flowers and many, many other specialty foods and arts and crafts to see, sample and buy.

Monday, July 23, 2012

I had an unexpected and greatly appreciated invitation to spend a few days at a beautiful home on Vashon Island in the Puget Sound of Washington State. Even though I grew up in Washington and spent over 30 years of my adult life living and working in the State, I had only been to Vashon Island once before. The Island is a short ferry ride from both Seattle and Tacoma. I took the Seattle route to get there and came home by way of Tacoma. Since I am staying about half way between the two cities, it was an easy adventure.

Lots of old barns, wood reclaimers would go crazy!!

A few of the local residents

Flowers, flowers, everywhere

Oh the colors

How does Nature do this???

Sweet Peas

A burst of Nature

The island's population in about 10,000 residents and is still very rural. Reminds me of Whidbey Island back in the 1950's when I was living there. I took a short walk with my friend and was able to find a lot of interesting photo opportunities. The views from the house where I stayed are beautiful and oh so peaceful.

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

I've been spending lots of time with Marianne and her family. They have adopted me as a "favored aunt" which is very nice. We had lunch on the Seattle waterfront at Elliotts where one of Marianne's grandsons works. He served us and took very good care of us all.

Also took a drive to Tacoma to see one of the houses we lived in when I was about 8 years old. The neighborhood has changed, it's a little dicey but the house looks much better now than it did when we lived in it. Glad someone is taking care of my history.

Nice view of Tacoma from the top of the hill on Pacific Avenue. My brother and I used to go all over town on the bus, always starting down Pacific Avenue which led to downtown Tacoma. In those days it wasn't considered scarey to let kids travel around alone. Now it would be considered totally irresponsible. Ahhh, how the times change...also Tacoma, it didn't look like this when I grew up there.

So my travels continue during my summer in Washington. It has been so fun to visit old friends and places from my past. On we go.....

﻿ Who says dumpster diving is not a good thing??? Well, we didn't exactly dive but we did see this little, painted blueish, table sitting beside the dumpster and decided it had potential. So we brought it home and today I did some sanding and painting and now Marianne has a new, table for her home.

I was included in a family dinner at Marianne's daughter's house on Sunday. Beautiful house on a private lake in Normandy Park and an opportunity to see two of Marianne's grandchildren and meet the new boyfriend! Great evening, great food and such good company.